Answers by Sandra Nichols

Great question—and honestly, the answer is yes… but maybe not for the reason most people think. Professional photos and video don’t just make a home look nice—they control the first impression. And in today’s market, that first impression usually happens in about 2 seconds on a phone screen. Here’s the part that often gets missed: Buyers aren’t comparing your home to “average” photos… they’re comparing it to the best listings online. So if your photos don’t match that level, your home can feel like it’s priced too high—even when it’s not. I’ve seen it firsthand—same neighborhood, similar homes… the one with strong visuals gets more clicks, more showings, and better offers. The one with average photos sits longer and ends up negotiating more. Video adds another layer. It helps buyers understand flow, space, and lifestyle—which is huge for out-of-town buyers or anyone narrowing down options before they ever step inside. Can a home still sell without professional media? Sure. But the real question is—are you leaving money or momentum on the table? In my experience, great marketing doesn’t just sell the home… it positions it to sell better.